Indirect bio-feedback health and fitness management system

ABSTRACT

A health and fitness management system utilizing an algorithm to suggest actions to improve a user&#39;s health and fitness. The system obtains a user&#39;s health indicating measurement from a respective acquisition device. The user is never informed of the acquired data. The health indicating measurement can include a heart/pulse rate, blood pressure measurement, weight, blood sugar level, etc. Base line data (age, ideal age, initial weight, current weight, ideal weight, etc.) can be considered in the algorithm. Examples include the user&#39;s environment, sleep habits, exercise routines, medical records, and the like. The health index number is used to determine recommended actions, which can include changes to environments, routines, activities, etc. Data collection, the algorithm, and other features of the system can be provided by an Application operating on a portable computing device. Features of the portable computing device can be employed to automatically acquire data for the algorithm.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims a common domestic benefitas follows:

wherein this Non-Provisional Utility Patent Application is aContinuation-In-Part claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/506,740, filed on Jul. 9, 2019 (scheduled toissue as U.S. Pat. No. 10,885,807 on Jan. 5, 2021),

wherein U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/506,740 is aContinuation-In-Part claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 15/364,220, filed on Nov. 29, 2016 (now U.S. Pat.No. 10,364,220, issued on Jul. 9, 2019),

wherein U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/364,220claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/262,354, filed on Dec. 2, 2015,

wherein the entireties each of above the above applications areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a system that collects dataassociated with an individual's health and well being, utilizes thecollected data to provide guidance to the individual, all whileisolating the actual data from the individual to avoid any potentialpsychological implications from knowledge of the actual data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Health and fitness are one significant focus of a majority of people.Health and fitness are attributed to diet, exercise, and daily routines.A major hurdle in the creation of a lifestyle that is conducive toimproved health and fitness is a daunting psychological effect ofexposure to data, such as weight, caloric intake, calories burned, andthe like.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has found that nearly 7in 10 adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese (69%, 2011-2012). Themarket for weight-loss which includes diet books, diet drugs andweight-loss surgeries is estimated at $20B. Furthermore, the medicalcost associated with obesity was $147B (CDC, 2008).

There has been an enormous amount of research into diet, genetics,behavior that has yielded valuable insights, strategies, and techniquesfor losing weight. And, there are countless approaches for tacklingweight loss based on this research. However, none of these approacheshas overcome the challenge of sustained weight loss and improved health.

Motivation for any long-term behavioral change requires the feeling ofsuccess and progress. In the domain of weight loss there is a large gapbetween what people do, and how successful they feel. People can give upsweets, but any weight loss would not show up for a while, and when itdoes, it will be a slow progress. People can start exercising, butinitially they might even gain weight. More generally, biologicalsystems, such as out body, react slowly and in a stochastic way to anybehavioral changes.

What is desired is a system that changes the type and frequency offeedback to give people more useful information and make them celebratemore clearly when they are successful.

What is desired is a system to provide guidance to an individual tomodify their diet, exercise routine, and daily activities to improvetheir overall health and fitness.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The general concept behind the present invention is to provide a systemfor collecting data and lifecycle patterns to provide guidance to anindividual to modify their diet, exercise routine, and daily activitiesto improve their overall health and fitness. The collected data would beanalyzed to provide feedback to the individual without exposing theindividual to the actual collected data. This avoids any psychologicalimplications.

The health and fitness management system is an intelligent behavioralplatform that learns about a user's health, behaviors, and other aspectof their life, suggests ways to improve their health, and providesfeedback in a way that is more effective for making lasting behavioralchanges.

This approach encourages behavior that is conducive to better fitnessand health, and to modify the individual's habits to healthier habitsover time, while avoiding any possibility of negative feeling that mayserve as an excuse to return to the individual's unhealthy habits. Thesystem avoids plateaus or steps back; only presenting actionablesuggestions and feedback designed to modify the individual's behavior toa more favorable one that aims directly at the right targets that werespecified by the system.

In one aspect of the present invention, the system collects thefollowing information:

Individual's Current Age [Age(C)]

Individual's Ideal Age [Age(I)]

Individual's Starting or Initial Weight [Weight(S)]

Individual's Current Weight [Weight(C)]

Individual's Ideal Weight [Weight(I)]

Numerical multiplier [Factor]

In a second aspect of the present invention, the system utilizes thecollected information to determine an effective loss in age, wherein theeffective loss in age is calculated using an effective loss in ageequation of:

${{Effective}\mspace{14mu}{Loss}\mspace{14mu}{In}\mspace{14mu}{Age}} = {\frac{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(C)}} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(I)}} \right\rbrack}*\left\lbrack {\left( {{{Age}(C)}*{factor}} \right) - {{Age}(I)}} \right\rbrack}$

In another aspect, the system utilizes the collected information todetermine a health index number, wherein the health index number iscalculated using a health index number equation of:

${{Health}\mspace{14mu}{Index}\mspace{14mu}{Number}} = {{{Age}(C)} - {\frac{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(C)}} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(I)}} \right\rbrack}*\left\lbrack {\left( {{{Age}(C)}*{factor}} \right) - {{Age}(I)}} \right\rbrack}}$

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the system utilizes thecollected information to determine an effective loss in age, wherein theeffective loss in age is calculated using an effective loss in ageequation of:

${{Effective}\mspace{14mu}{Loss}\mspace{14mu}{In}\mspace{14mu}{Age}} = {\frac{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(C)}} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(I)}} \right\rbrack}*\left\lbrack {\left( {{{Age}(C)} - {{Age}(I)}} \right)*{factor}} \right\rbrack}$

In yet another aspect, the system utilizes the collected information todetermine a health index number, wherein the health index number iscalculated using a health index number equation of:

${{Health}\mspace{14mu}{Index}\mspace{14mu}{Number}} = {{{Age}(C)} - {\frac{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(C)}} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(I)}} \right\rbrack}*\left\lbrack {\left( {{{Age}(C)} - {{Age}(I)}} \right)*{factor}} \right\rbrack}}$

In yet another aspect, the system utilizes Bollinger bands.

In yet another aspect, the system employs a scale exclusive of a numericdisplay, wherein the scale is designed to avoid presentation of theindividual's weight to the individual. The scale would be a digitalscale, acquiring a weight of an individual, and converting the weightinto a digital format.

In yet another aspect, the system employs activity trackers, pedometers,and the like. The data acquisition device would be adapted to retain theinformation and avoid presentation of the collected data to theIndividual.

In yet another aspect, the system employs global positioning systems(GPS) to collect a geographic history of locations visiting by theindividual, time spent at each associated geographic location, and thelike.

In yet another aspect, the system cross references global positioningsystems (GPS) to determine an association with the GPS location, such asrestaurants, gyms, stores, and the like.

In yet another aspect, the system employs location beacons to collect ageographic history of locations visiting by the individual, time spentat each associated geographic location, and the like. Aspect informationassociated with each beacon can be determined by information transmittedby each respective beacon.

In yet another aspect, the system can determine travel and activityhistory through social media activities.

In yet another aspect, the system can obtain measurements of physicalcharacteristics of the individual, including weight, height, sex, race,and the like.

In yet another aspect, the system can obtain information pertaining toan individual's daily routines, including sleeping habits, when theindividual bathes, when the individual brushes their teeth, work hours,and the like.

In yet another aspect, the system employs one or more vital signs of theindividual, including temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and thelike.

In yet another aspect, each data acquisition device would be adapted toretain the information and avoid presentation of the collected data tothe Individual.

In yet another aspect, the data acquired by each data collection devicecan be stored within the data acquisition device or transferred to adata collection device, such as a portable computing device (Smartphone,portable computing tablet, and the like). The data could be uploaded toa portable computing device using wired or wireless technology. Thecollected data would eventually be transferred to a device operating anassociated software or application.

In yet another aspect, the system employs a questionnaire to acquirepersonal information pertaining to the individual.

In yet another aspect, the system includes a questionnaire directedtowards discover a user's health goals, their likes and dislikes, theirmedical history, they employment status, and other relevant information.

In yet another aspect, the system employs a pattern recognition module.The pattern recognition module exercises a combination of fixed rules(e.g. fast-food==bad habit) with machine-learning (e.g. typical weeklyfluctuations predict X, but actual datum was Y) to identify meaningfulinformation about the user's behavior and habits.

In yet another aspect, the system employs a behavioral modificationrecommendation module. The behavioral modification recommendation modulecross references information provided by at least one of the healthindex number and the pattern recognition module to determine optimalfeedback that is most likely to improve the individual's behavior.

In yet another aspect, the system collects information and separatesdata points into a number of categories, including:

-   -   1. Technical requests—these may include a request to step on the        scale tomorrow (if the user forgot to do so), recharge the        battery on a device, etc.    -   2. Health advice—this may include suggestion to avoid fast-food        (sent strategically right before lunch time), go to the gym more        often, walk more steps tomorrow, etc.    -   3. Social challenges—these allow one user or a group of users to        issue challenges or tasks to other users (either as a closed        group, or public) to perform a certain tasks or compete with        certain benchmarks, such as: who walks more steps tomorrow,        abstain from sweets for a week, etc.    -   4. Commercial offers—these are offers from health-conscious        company (organic foods, fitness supplement, etc) and local        health professional (personal trainers, yoga studios) that offer        services at a discount to the user.    -   5. Any other suitable category.

In yet another aspect, the database of available feedback option ismaintained continuously and carefully curated, both manually andautomatically (algorithmically) review the database for relevance,uniqueness and positive impact.

In yet another aspect, collected data is forwarded to an intelligentdecision engine. The an intelligent decision engine utilizes theindividual's recent behavior patterns and past response to variousfeedback to select from among the curated content options and determineoptimal feedback, at an optimal time, to be sent to the individual usinga push notification to an Individual's Smartphone, portable computingtablet, by way of an application, an email, a text message (SMS, MMS,and the like), an audible message, or any other suitable communicationmethod.

In yet another aspect, the intelligent decision engine maintains aproper balance between the amount of content (enough to modify behavior,but not an excessive amount that would be ignored), a variety of typesof content (for example: ensuring commercial offers comprise 20% of lessof all feedback notifications), and relevance of content (for example:recommending more activity to sedentary individuals, and healthiereating choices to fast-food aficionados), while making sure eachfeedback notification arrives at an optimal time to create the greatestimpact. This can include: food choices before meal-time, exercisechoices before the individual leaves work, reminders not to overeatbefore weekends and holidays, and the like.

In yet another aspect, the system can provide an interface forcommercial entities (merchants) to introduce incentives that theintelligent decision engine can include with the directive behaviormodification forwarded to individuals to further aid in causing a changein the Individual's habits. The forwarded information allows eachcommercial provider to specify details about their offer (for example:20% off a gym membership), times and instances when it is likely to bemore relevant (for example: after a major holiday) and the like.

In yet another aspect, the system can enable a financial return to thesystem service provider, wherein the merchant would pay $0.10 for eachclick through from the Application to the associated website, $10 foreach membership actually sold as a result of the information provided bythe Application, and the like.

In yet another aspect, each merchant would manage offers providedthereby, including sources of each lead, history of each lead,conclusion of each lead, and any associated referral payment(s) for eachlead.

In yet another aspect, each merchant would manage results of each offerin order to optimize offers/incentives and their associated frequenciesto the Individuals.

In yet another aspect, the system analyzes the data over any suitablecyclic time span, such as weekly cycles, monthly cycles, annual cyclesand any other suitable cycle time span.

In yet another aspect, the health state of the user can be presented ina form of a color.

In yet another aspect, the system can utilize a user's statisticalz-score. The z-score is a normalized, quantitative value for determiningthe health status of a user.

In yet another aspect, the system can utilize the following bloodpressure based algorithm to calculate the user's statistical z-score asfollows:z-score=(Latest_Blood_Pressure−mean)/std_dev

Where:

Latest_Blood_Pressure=The average of the user's last 10 measurements

mean=The mean of the user's last 30 measurements

std_dev=The standard deviation of the user's last 30 measurements

In yet another aspect, the z-score calculation above can be mapped to arepresentative color in accordance with the following:

z-score<−1.0=>BLUE

−1.0<=z-score<−0.5=>TEAL

−0.5<=z-score<0.5=>GREEN

0.5<=z-score<1.0=>GRAY

z-score>=1.0=>DARK GRAY

In yet another aspect, the color representation can also be applied to auser's weight.

In yet another aspect, the system can use the following algorithm tocalculate the user's statistical z-score:z-score=(Latest_Weight−mean)/std_dev

Where:

Latest_Weight=The average of the user's last 6 measurements

mean=The mean of the user's last 20 measurements

std_dev=The standard deviation of the user's last 20 measurements

When using a color, the z-score calculation above is then mapped to arespective color such as by the following example:

z-score<−1.0=>BLUE

−1.0<=z-score<−0.5=>TEAL

−0.5<=z-score<0.5=>GREEN

0.5<=z-score<1.0=>GRAY

z-score>=1.0=>DARK GRAY

One significant advantage of the proposed system is the process ofdecoupling raw data from actionable feedback. Traditional biofeedbacksystems instantaneously provide actual feedback to the individual.Initially, it is noted that providing the actual data to the individualcould cause a negative initial emotional reaction, deterring theindividual from proceeding. Assuming the data does not deter theindividual, the individual would then make the best use of the actualdata and make what is believes to be optimal decisions therefrom. Thisoption relies upon the individual's understanding of how to determine anoptimal process. Conversely, the proposed system provides actionablefeedback, as opposed to providing the raw data to the individual. Thisseparates any emotional reaction as well as any self imposedconsiderations of the individual from the process.

The current process relies upon the basis that the individual is capableof determining the optimal process. The concern is that the individualhas been adhering to certain habits that have placed them into thecurrent health condition they are in. Following the same course ofaction and expecting different results is ludicrous. Introducing animpartial observer exercising sound judgment can guide the individual toachieving superior results. This is a result of the ability to avoidpsychological effects and cognitive biases. The proposed system providesguidance from a viewpoint of an impartial observer.

The current process emphasizes the indirect (and sometimes lax) linkingbetween collected data and feedback, and at times (even when therecorded data shows a clear step backward) may not reflect the collecteddata in the feedback it provides. The consistent goal of the system isto urge the individual towards healthier behavior habits over time.Sometimes a hard truth may be the most efficient way to change anindividual's behavior; other times, a deviation from the truth mayprovide better results. It is imperative to include a feedback systemthat is followed by the individual for long periods of time to learnfrom the individual's past behavior, recognize patterns, and identifythe optimal modes of feedback for each specific individual; withoutpropagating raw data blindly for the individual to process them self.

The present invention utilizes at least one biometric screening device,where the at least one biometric screening device acquires therespective data. The at least one biometric screening device excludesany means (a display, an announcer, a printer, and the like) forconveying the acquired biometric test data to the individual. Examplesof biometric screening devices include a scale (for measuring anindividual's weight), a heart monitor, a blood pressure monitor, aglucose meter, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 presents an schematic diagram of an operational process flow ofan exemplary health and fitness management system in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 presents a schematic diagram of first exemplary series ofcomponents employed by the exemplary health and fitness managementsystem associated with the operational process flow introduced in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 presents an exemplary schematic diagram introducing a series ofexemplary components of a weight management scale employed by theexemplary health and fitness management system originally introduced inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 presents an exemplary schematic diagram introducing a series ofexemplary components of a portable computing system employed by theexemplary health and fitness management system originally introduced inFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 presents a schematic diagram of second exemplary series ofcomponents employed by the exemplary health and fitness managementsystem associated with the operational process flow introduced in FIG.1;

FIG. 6 presents an exemplary schematic diagram introducing a series ofexemplary components of a blood pressure acquisition system employed bythe exemplary health and fitness management system originally introducedin FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 presents an exemplary schematic diagram introducing a series ofexemplary components of the portable computing system adapted for usewith the blood pressure acquisition system employed by the exemplaryhealth and fitness management system originally introduced in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 presents an exemplary flow diagram of the operational processflow of the exemplary health and fitness management system originallyintroduced in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 presents an exemplary flow diagram detailing the function of thedata collection and pattern recognition and decision engine of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 presents fluctuations of an exemplary health index numberpresented within a series of Bollinger Bands, wherein the chartillustrates an exemplary baseline of the individual's overall health;

FIG. 11 presents fluctuations of an exemplary health index numberpresented within a series of Bollinger Bands, wherein the chartillustrates an exemplary improvement in the individual's overall health;

FIG. 12 presents fluctuations of an exemplary health index numberpresented within a series of Bollinger Bands, wherein the chartillustrates an exemplary scenario including effects of a holiday;

FIG. 13 presents a plan view of the exemplary portable computing device(Smartphone), wherein the exemplary portable computing device isdisplaying an index of different exemplary colors representative of astatus of a user's health;

FIG. 14 presents a plan view of exemplary portable computing devices(Smartphones), each exemplary portable computing device displaying adifferent exemplary color representative of a status of a user's health;and

FIG. 15 presents a plan view of an exemplary portable computing device(Smartphone) displaying a data associated with the acquired bloodpressure and a reference chart for interpreting the displayedmeasurements;

FIG. 16 presents a schematic diagram of third exemplary series ofcomponents employed by the exemplary health and fitness managementsystem associated with the operational process flow introduced in FIG.1;

FIG. 17 presents an isometric partial assembly view of a blood glucosetest strip identifying the components thereof;

FIG. 18 presents an exemplary schematic diagram introducing a series ofexemplary components of a blood glucose level monitoring system employedby the exemplary health and fitness management system originallyintroduced in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 19 presents an exemplary schematic diagram introducing a series ofexemplary components of the blood glucose level monitoring systemadapted for use with the blood glucose level monitoring system employedby the exemplary health and fitness management system originallyintroduced in FIG. 1.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”,“lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

When an Individual focus' on improving their health and fitness, theycommonly rely upon data collection to determine improvements thereof.Data collection could be discouraging, interpreted incorrectly, or causeany other result misdirecting the progress of improving an individual'shealth and fitness. The present invention overcomes the deficiencies ofthe current solutions by defining and utilizing a health index number toaid an application in determining recommendations for the individual toimprove their health and fitness.

An exemplary overview of the process is presented in FIG. 1, with theassociated devices of a weight based contributor being presented inFIGS. 2 through 4, the associated devices of a blood pressure basedcontributor being presented in FIGS. 5 through 7, and a flow diagrambeing presented in FIG. 8.

A weight management scale 200 is employed to acquire an individual'sweight in one exemplary health management system 102. The individual'sweight is utilized to determine a health index number, which ispresented to the individual. The weight management system 100 reliesupon the health index number to avoid presenting a weight measurement112 to the user. An exemplary schematic diagram of the weight managementscale 200 is presented in FIG. 3. The weight management scale 200includes a weight management scale microprocessor 210, operating inaccordance with a weight management scale operating instruction set 220.The weight management scale operating instruction set 220 is commonlystored within a weight management scale non-volatile digital memory 212.The weight management scale non-volatile digital memory 212 is indigital signal communication with the weight management scalemicroprocessor 210. Electrical power is provided to the weightmanagement scale microprocessor 210 from an external power source,identified as a weight management scale line power input 234 and/or aweight management scale portable power supply 230. The weight managementscale portable power supply 230 is preferably rechargeable. The weightmanagement scale portable power supply 230 can be recharged by powerfrom the weight management scale line power input 234, using a weightmanagement scale wireless power charging circuit 236, a solar charger(not illustrated), and the like. A weight management scale powerregulator 232 can be integrated into the circuit to provide powermanagement to all of the electrically operated components of the weightmanagement scale 200. A weight acquisition element 240 would beintegrated into the weight management scale 200. The weight acquisitionelement 240 would be in signal communication with the weight managementscale microprocessor 210. The weight acquisition element 240 is adaptedto acquire a weight of the individual when the individual is properlyusing the weight management scale 200. The weight acquisition element240 can be of any suitable electronic weight acquisition device known tothose skilled in the art. Information can be provided to the userthrough a weight management scale display 250, wherein the weightmanagement scale display 250 would be directly or indirectly in signalcommunication with the weight management scale microprocessor 210.Images can be provided by a display driver (not shown). Information canbe conveyed to at least one other computing device, such as a portablecomputing device 300, by way of a weight management scale wirelesscommunication circuit 270. The weight management scale wirelesscommunication circuit 270 would be in signal communication with theweight management scale microprocessor 210. The weight management scalemicroprocessor 210 would provide instruction set to the weightmanagement scale wireless communication circuit 270 during atransmission process and receive an instruction set from a receivedtransmission. The weight management scale wireless communication circuit270 can operate in accordance with any suitable protocol, includingWi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Zigbee, and the like.It is also understood that a wired communication protocol, such asEthernet, and the like can be provided. The components of the weightmanagement scale 200 are enclosed within a weight management scalehousing 202. An upper surface of the weight management scale housing 202can be an upper surface of the weight acquisition element 240, whereinthe upper surface of the weight acquisition element 240 would beemployed to support the individual while the weight acquisition element240 acquires the weight 112 of the individual.

A weight management application 320 can operate on the portablecomputing device 300. Details of the portable computing device 300 arebest represented in a schematic diagram illustrated in FIG. 4. Theportable computing device 300 can be a Smartphone (as illustrated), aportable computing tablet, a Personal Data Assistant (PDA), a customportable computing device, and the like. The portable computing device300 includes a portable computing device microprocessor 310. The weightmanagement application 320 provides an instruction set for operating onthe portable computing device microprocessor 310 in conjunction withother instruction sets. The weight management application 320 iscommonly stored within a portable computing device non-volatile digitalmemory 312. The portable computing device non-volatile digital memory312 is in digital signal communication with the portable computingdevice microprocessor 310. Electrical power is provided to the portablecomputing device microprocessor 310 from an external power source,identified as a portable computing device line power input 334 and/or aportable computing device portable power supply 330. The portablecomputing device portable power supply 330 is commonly rechargeable. Theportable computing device portable power supply 330 can be recharged bypower from the portable computing device line power input 334 or aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) port 335, using a portable computing devicewireless power charging circuit 336, using another portable powersupply, using a solar charger (not illustrated), and the like. Aportable computing device power regulator 332 can be integrated into thecircuit to provide power management to all of the electrically operatedcomponents of the portable computing device 300. A portable computingdevice mechanical user input device 340 would be integrated into theportable computing device 300. The portable computing device mechanicaluser input device 340 would be in signal communication with the portablecomputing device microprocessor 310. The portable computing devicemechanical user input device 340 is adapted to receive inputs from theindividual using the portable computing device 300. The portablecomputing device mechanical user input device 340 can be of any suitableuser entry device known to those skilled in the art, such as anelectro-mechanical switch, a touchpad or trackpad, a keyboard, atrackball, and the like. The portable computing device 300 can provideoutput to the user through any of a variety of components. The portablecomputing device 300 can convey information visually, using a portablecomputing device display 350, audibly, using a portable computing devicespeaker 352, motion, using a portable computing device haptic feedbackgenerator 354, and the like. The audio feedback, the visual feedback andthe haptic feedback can be operated individually, or in combination withat least one other feedback. The portable computing device display 350would be directly or indirectly in signal communication with theportable computing device microprocessor 310. Images can be provided bya display driver (not shown). The portable computing device speaker 352and the portable computing device haptic feedback generator 354 would beoperated by a signal from the portable computing device microprocessor310. A portable computing device camera 342 can be included in theportable computing device 300. The portable computing device camera 342can be utilized to capture digital still photographs or digital video asdesired. The digital still photographs or digital video can be used bythe weight management system processing steps 132 to aid in determiningthe health index number. Other components or circuitry can be integratedinto the portable computing device 300 to provide additional informationto the portable computing device microprocessor 310 for use with theweight management application 320. For example, a portable computingdevice Global Position System (GPS) receiver 344 can be integrated intothe portable computing device 300. The portable computing device GlobalPosition System (GPS) receiver 344 introduces a capability to acquirelocation information, movement information, and the like of the portablecomputing device 300. Similarly, a portable computing deviceaccelerometer 346 can be integrated into the portable computing device300. The portable computing device accelerometer 346 introduces acapability to different movement information, and the like of theportable computing device 300. The movement information acquired usingthe portable computing device Global Position System (GPS) receiver 344and/or the portable computing device accelerometer 346 can be related toa user's activities. The acquired movement information can be used bythe weight management application 320 for maintaining a history of theactivities of the user.

The portable computing device 300 can communicate with external devicesusing any suitable wired and/or wireless communication circuits andprotocols. In the exemplary illustration, the portable computing device300 includes each of a wired communication circuit (a Universal SerialBus (USB) port 335) and a portable computing device wirelesscommunication circuit 370. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 335 canadditionally be utilized to convey signal or data information.

Information can be between the portable computing device 300 and atleast one other device comprising a transceiver operating in accordancewith a like protocol, such as the weight management scale wirelesscommunication circuit 270 of the weight management scale 200, by way ofa wireless communication link 170. The portable computing devicewireless communication circuit 370 would be in signal communication withthe portable computing device microprocessor 310. The portable computingdevice microprocessor 310 would provide instruction set to the portablecomputing device wireless communication circuit 370 during atransmission process and receive an instruction set from a receivedtransmission. The portable computing device wireless communicationcircuit 370 can operate in accordance with any suitable protocol,including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Zigbee, andthe like. It is also understood that a wired communication protocol,such as Ethernet, and the like can be provided. The components of theportable computing device 300 are enclosed within a portable computingdevice housing 302.

The weight management system 100 collects weight management systembaseline data 110 from a series of data collection sources, including anindividual's age, an individual's weight, an environment, context, adiet, exercise habits, sleep habits, daily routines, social networkentries, labs and medical history, genome, and the like. At least aportion of the data weight management system baseline data 110 can becollected using the weight management application 320 in conjunctionwith the data collection components 344, 346 of the portable computingdevice 300. Data 110 can be collected using a weight management scale200, a portable computing device 300 operating in accordance withinstructions from a weight management application 320, and anintelligent behavioral platform that profiles the individual andrecommends behavioral and diet modifications. The weight managementscale 200 is designed to collect a digital representation of a weight ofthe individual, while not disclosing the acquired weight to theindividual. Additional data can be collected using other devices, suchas a Global Positioning System (GPS) 344, a beacon locating system (anapplication in conjunction with the portable computing device wirelesscommunication circuit 370), a pedometer (using the portable computingdevice accelerometer 346), and the like.

The data 110 acquired by each data collection device 200, 344, 346, etc.can be stored within the data acquisition device, such as the weightmanagement scale 200, or transferred to a data collection device, suchas a portable computing device 300. The data 110 could be uploaded tothe portable computing device 300 using wired (such as Ethernet) orwireless technology (such as the weight management scale wirelesscommunication circuit 270 and the portable computing device wirelesscommunication circuit 370). The collected data 110 would eventually betransferred to the portable computing device 300 operating theassociated software or application 320.

The collected data 110 can be utilized by the application 320 todetermine any of a number of data points (step 120). Collected data 110can include weight information collected from the weight managementscale 200 (wireless scale acquired information 112), blood pressure andheart rate information collected from the blood pressure acquisitionsystem 800 (blood pressure and/or heart rate information 113), activityinformation (collected from any suitable activity acquisition device,such as the portable computing device 300; an activity tracker 114(commonly described as a wireless-enabled wearable technology devicesthat measure data such as the number of steps walked, heart rate,quality of sleep, steps climbed, and other personal metrics); a globalpositioning System (GPS) location 116 (acquired using a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) receiver, a beacon locating system, and thelike); and any other ancillary information 118 (collected from arespective data acquisition device, application (such as a calendar, anactivities list, social media, and the like), blood sugar levelsacquired using a glucose monitor (such as the 1000) or manually enteredby the user). One example would be the use of the GPS information 116and/or beacon information to determine locations associated therewith,such as restaurants, gyms, stores, and the like. The weight managementsystem 100 can additionally determine the span of time the individualremains at the specific location. Effectively, the weight managementsystem 100 is collecting a geographic history of locations visited bythe individual, time spent at each associated geographic location, andthe like.

The weight management system 100 collects information associated withtravel and activity history through social media activities.

Other devices that can be employed by the system include those tocollect one or more vital signs of the individual, includingtemperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and the like. The collecteddata 110 would also be collected and forwarded to the application 320,while not disclosing the acquired data points to the individual.

The system can be adapted to monitor the user 890 for chronic heartfailure. The system would utilize the data acquired from the weightmanagement scale 200 to determine potential for and/or risks of chronicheart failure. The system can utilize the trends of the blood pressurerates to determine potential for and/or risks of chronic heart failure.

The system can include a Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) monitoringfeature. The Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) monitoring feature allowsfor improved remote monitoring of patients living with and managingcongestive heart failure on an outpatient basis. The Congestive HeartFailure (CHF) monitoring feature allows the healthcare provider and userto more closely monitor for weight fluctuations that would warrant achange in the care plan of the user. The user will use the weightmanagement scale 200 at least daily to acquire the user's weight, whichis transferred to the application. The backend system will monitor theweight trends for the user and specifically monitor for sudden weightgain over a predetermined number of consecutive days. One exemplarythreshold for weight gain and duration of days is set to a defaultestablished by the American College of Cardiology guidelines. Theapplication can enable customization of the thresholds by the careprovider, the user, or any other allowed party, if they have specificthresholds for users or groups of patients. When the system detects aweight gain that exceeds the threshold set for pounds/kilograms and timeframe the system will prompt the user to repeat the weigh-in measurementprocess for confirmation. The system will also display prompts in theapplication to ensure that there are no external factors that maycontribute to the weight gain (i.e. heavier clothing, etc). If theweight gain is confirmed, the user will be notified of the weight gainin pounds/kilograms and the duration of days gained is noted. The userwould also be encouraged to contact their healthcare provider forfurther instructions.

The user will have access to application's five (5) point color scaleand the Age feedback mechanism in the application experience that aredriven by the backend.

The system also has an administrator portal that the health caremanagement team can access to view which users under their care have hadmeasurements outside the threshold to more efficiently triage who mightneed closer flow up and support.

The systems Congestive Heart Failure program also leverages artificialintelligence to reinforce diet and lifestyle education and behaviorsthat support management of life with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).This education is delivered through missions and content in theapplication. The information is personalized to the user, based in-part,to their responses to the on-boarding assessment questionnaire completedupon sign up in the app. The user will also have access to customizablereminders and nudges delivered by the system to complete activities inthe application and be consistent with the daily weigh-in action.

A second example is presented in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, which introduces ahealth management system 104 using a blood pressure acquisition system800. The blood pressure acquisition system 800 and the weightacquisition system 200 are adapted for use with the portable computingdevice 300 in a similar manner. The distinction is that the portablecomputing device 300 is adapted for use with the blood pressureacquisition system 800 in the exemplary embodiment, whereas the portablecomputing device 300 is adapted for use with the weight acquisitionsystem 200 in the previous example.

The illustrations in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 introduce details associated withthe blood pressure acquisition system 800 and how the portable computingdevice 300 is adapted for use with the blood pressure acquisition system800. The blood pressure acquisition system 800 includes a blood pressureacquisition element (pressure cuff) 840. The blood pressure acquisitionelement (pressure cuff) 840 is placed around an upper arm 892 of a user890, as illustrated in FIG. 5. A pressure generator 842 generates andprovides pressure to the blood pressure acquisition element (pressurecuff) 840 through a pressure control transfer tube 846. A pressurerelief control 844 releases pressure from the blood pressure acquisitionelement (pressure cuff) 840 in a controlled manner. The pressuregenerator 842 and pressure relief control 844 can be manually operated,as shown, or automated. Each arrangement is well known by those skilledin the art. A pressure sensor 814 is in pneumatic communication with theblood pressure acquisition element (pressure cuff) 840 via a pressureoutput transfer tube 848. The pressure sensor 814 monitors changes inpressure of the blood pressure acquisition element (pressure cuff) 840to determine the blood pressure of the monitored user 890. The pressuresensor 814 converts the pressure received through the pressure outputtransfer tube 848 to an electrical signal. Operation of the bloodpressure acquisition system 800 is provided by a blood pressureacquisition system microprocessor 810. The blood pressure acquisitionsystem microprocessor 810 is in signal communication with the pressuresensor 814. The blood pressure acquisition system microprocessor 810provides operational control to the pressure sensor 814 and receives anacquired signal from the pressure sensor 814. A blood pressureacquisition system connector 835 provides two purposes: (1) the bloodpressure acquisition system connector 835 provides a signal interfacebetween the blood pressure acquisition system microprocessor 810 andexternal devices and (2) a source of electrical power can be obtainedthrough a blood pressure acquisition system connector 835. It is alsorecognized that the circuitry can be powered by a portable power supply,similar to the weight management scale portable power supply 230 of theweight management scale 200. The blood pressure acquisition systemmicroprocessor 810, the pressure sensor 814, and the blood pressureacquisition system connector 835 can be integrated into a blood pressureacquisition system electronics assembly housing 802. When viewed, theblood pressure acquisition system electronics assembly housing 802 isrepresentative of the assembly.

The blood pressure acquisition system 800 can be arranged to communicatewith the portable computing device 300 via a wired communication link ora wireless communication link 170. In a wired communication arrangement(as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7), a communication cable assembly 880provides a disconnectable wired connection between the blood pressureacquisition system 800 and the portable computing device 300. Thecommunication cable assembly 880 can include a blood pressureacquisition element (pressure cuff) 840 provided in electro-mechanicalassembly at a first end of a communication cable 882 and a communicationcable second end connector 886 provided in electro-mechanical assemblyat a second end of the communication cable 882. The communication cablefirst end connector 884 would be inserted into a blood pressureacquisition system connector 835 of the blood pressure acquisitionsystem 800 and the communication cable second end connector 886 would beinserted into the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 335 of the portablecomputing device 300. The mechanical configuration of the communicationcable first end connector 884 would be such to electro-mechanicallycouple with the blood pressure acquisition system connector 835 and themechanical configuration of the communication cable second end connector886 would be such to electro-mechanically couple with the UniversalSerial Bus (USB) port 335. The electro-mechanical configuration of thecommunication cable first end connector 884 can be similar to theelectro-mechanical configuration of the communication cable second endconnector 886 or the electro-mechanical configuration of thecommunication cable first end connector 884 can be distinct from theelectro-mechanical configuration of the communication cable second endconnector 886.

In the exemplary arrangement, the peripheral hardware design containsjust enough elements to transmit the pressure signal to a mobile phonefor the digital signal processing.

In a wireless arrangement, the blood pressure acquisition system 800 caninclude a blood pressure acquisition wireless communication circuit 870,where the blood pressure acquisition wireless communication circuit 870would provide the functions enabling the wireless communication link170. The blood pressure acquisition wireless communication circuit 870can be wired by the optional portable power supply, thus providing acompletely wireless link between the blood pressure acquisition system800 and the portable computing device 300.

Details in determining the blood pressure are provided by the portablecomputing device 300. A blood pressure acquisition operating instructionset 820 is installed onto the portable computing device 300, such as ina form of an application. The application running on the portablecomputing device 300 provides the majority of the operating horsepowerfor the blood pressure acquisition system 800.

Blood pressure measurements of a user 890 are filtered so that the bloodpressure acquisition system 800 only considers measurements that appearto be valid. The blood pressure acquisition system 800 looks for anymeasurements that appear to be statistically invalid, for example, dueto device error.

The results of the blood pressure acquisition system 800 (or any othermedical characteristic measurement or combination of measurements) canbe presented in a form of a number similar to the weight process (aspreviously described), a color, or any other suitable reference.Examples of color displays are presented in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Since the system can offer user health and fitness feedback in a form ofa color rating, the system can display a color index, as illustrated inFIG. 13.

An exemplary color index is shown in a portable computing device havinga color index display 300 a. The exemplary color index displays five (5)exemplary colors for presenting various degrees of health and fitnessstatus.

The illustrated five (5) exemplary colors are as follows:

A first color (Dark gray) 320 a

A second color (Light gray) 320 b

A third color (Green) 320 c

A fourth color (Teal) 320 d

A fifth color (Blue) 320 e

Examples of an output are presented in FIG. 14, wherein:

An exemplary second color display 320 b is shown in a portable computingdevice having a second exemplary color state display 300 b. Theexemplary second color is light gray, where light gray indicates thatimprovements are still desired.

An exemplary third color display 320 c is shown in a portable computingdevice having a third exemplary color state display 300 c. The exemplarythird color is teal, where teal indicates a trend in a direction towardsa normal or desired range. This exemplary drawing illustrates a scenariowhere the application is configured to display both a color and a healthindex number 318.

An exemplary fourth color display 320 d is shown in a portable computingdevice having a fourth exemplary color state display 300 d. Theexemplary fourth color is green, where green indicates a level orreading that is within the normal or desired range.

The display can include a text description of the color to ensure theinterpretation of the color is correct. This would also address thosewho are color blind. The color (and any other data) can also bepresented in audio format for user's that are sight impaired.

The blood pressure acquisition system 800 can use the followingalgorithm to calculate the user's statistical z-score:z-score=(Latest_Blood_Pressure−mean)/std_dev

Where:

Latest_Blood_Pressure=The average of the user's last 10 measurements

mean=The mean of the user's last 30 measurements

std_dev=The standard deviation of the user's last 30 measurements

The z-score calculation above is then mapped to a representative colorin accordance with the following:

z-score<−1.0=>BLUE

−1.0<=z-score<−0.5=>TEAL

−0.5<=z-score<0.5=>GREEN

0.5<=z-score<1.0=>GRAY

z-score>=1.0=>DARK GRAY

The color representation can also be applied to a user's weight.

First, a user's measurements are filtered so that the blood pressureacquisition system 800 considers only AM (morning) measurements for usein the algorithm. The blood pressure acquisition system 800 also filtersout any measurements that appear to be invalid; for example, due to ascale error or a user error such as using the scale on carpeting.

The system can use the following algorithm to calculate the user'sstatistical z-score:z-score=(Latest_Weight−mean)/std_dev

Where:

Latest_Weight=The average of the user's last 6 measurements

mean=The mean of the user's last 20 measurements

std_dev=The standard deviation of the user's last 20 measurements

When using a color, the z-score calculation above is then mapped to arespective color such as by the following example:

z-score<−1.0=>BLUE

−1.0<=z-score<−0.5=>TEAL

−0.5<=z-score<0.5=>GREEN

0.5<=z-score<1.0=>GRAY

z-score>=1.0=>DARK GRAY

Blood pressure cuff 840: The blood pressure cuff 840 has the ability todisplay the blood pressure values or not to display the blood pressurevalues. If the patient's result is above the average measurement thanthe number will appear on the screen. If not the representative colorwill appear on the portable computing device 300.

The blood pressure acquisition system 800 will show progressivemilestones based on the user's health improvement. For example, if auser's health improves, the user 890 can do more at walking, sleepbetter, have more/better sex, and the like.

The blood pressure acquisition system 800 can also be used to determinea heart rate of the user 890.

The above presents a process for informing a user of a trend or healthstatus without providing a quantitative value that the user canassociate directly with. There are benefits associated with notproviding the quantitative values to the user. In an alternative mode,the acquired data, in a format of quantitative values, can be presentedto the user, as illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein a blood pressure outputdisplay 900 is presented on an exemplary portable computing device 300.The blood pressure output display 900 includes user selectable options,including a range of time for display and the associated quantitativevalues acquired. More specifically, the range of time for display caninclude a daily view selection 910, a weekly view selection 912, and amonthly view selection 914. It is understood that the range of time fordisplay can be any suitable range, including those illustrated, hourly,bi-weekly, bi-monthly, annually, and the like. The selected range can bedisplayed to the user. In the exemplary illustration, the range of timeselected is the daily view selection 910. The user can then scroll tothe desired date associated with the daily view selection 910. Theselected date is presented as a date display 916. The user can contactor select the respective date incrementing scroll icon 918 to incrementthe selection in an increasing or decreasing direction. The user canselect the date incrementing scroll icon 918 on the right to increasethe date for viewing. Similarly, the user can select the dateincrementing scroll icon 918 on the left to decrease the date forviewing. When the user selects a range (such as the weekly viewselection 912 or the monthly view selection 914), the date display 916would display the first date and the last date of the range.

Once the range of time for display is established by the user, the bloodpressure output display 900 displays the respective information. In theexemplary illustration, the blood pressure output display 900 ispresenting a systolic (sys) pressure 920, a diastolic (dia) pressure922, and a heart beat rate 924 in a numerical format. The presentedsystolic (sys) pressure 920, diastolic (dia) pressure 922, and heartbeat rate 924 are those that were recorded on Tuesday, Jul. 9, 2019. Thedisplayed information can be a daily average, the first recordedinformation on that date, the last recorded information on that date,the highest recorded information on that date, the lowest recordedinformation on that date, or any other variant. The variant can beestablished by the system, established by the user, or changeable.

The blood pressure output display 900 can include a reference chart 930to provide guidance to the user. The reference chart 930 can bepresented in table format, including reference to a systolic (sys)pressure in a systolic (sys) pressure column 932 and a diastolic (dia)pressure in a diastolic (dia) pressure column 934 for each of a normalblood pressure level reference 940, an elevated blood pressure levelreference 942, a high blood pressure level (stage 1) reference 944, ahigh blood pressure level (stage 2) reference 946, and the like. Thereference chart 930 can also include reference to ranges for heart rates(not shown).

The exemplary illustration presents the quantitative values in textformat. The quantitative values can also be presented in a chart formator any other suitable format for displaying the quantitative values.

The weight management system 100 collects the available acquiredinformation from the various sources and analyzes the collectedinformation 110 within a decision engine 130. The decision engine 130optimizes feedback and forwards the feedback or curated content 150 tothe individual. This can include health advice 162, social challenges164, and commercial offers 166 (to provide incentives to theindividual). The weight management system processing 130 can include alearning function, which is a component of weight management systemprocessing steps 132. The weight management system processing steps 132would include any steps for learning, improving, processing,recommending, and nudging to continuously improve the overall process.This is accomplished at least in part by using a feedback loop 140,wherein the feedback loop 140 would compare data acquired prior todisclosing weight management system recommended actions 160 with dataacquired following the disclosure of the weight management systemrecommended actions 160.

Details of the data collection and pattern recognition 120 and decisionengine 130 are presented in an exemplary flow diagram illustrated inFIG. 8. The diagram illustrated in FIG. 9 shows how the health andfitness management system application will interact with the system'sown server 420 and third parties application 430 using a weightmanagement system network 400. The health and fitness management system100 will also interact with a cloud based system 410 in order to storeand protect the user's data.

The weight management application 320 operates in accordance with a useraccount. The user can create an account by selecting a user accountcreation icon 321. The user would provide a user identification and anassociated user password. The user account creation process can includesteps for acquiring additional information, such as age, height, currentweight, target weight, social networking accounts, calendar access,location access, medical records access and the like. Once the useraccount is created, the user can access the account by selecting a useraccount log in icon 322 and providing the requested information, such asa user identification and an associated user password. The weightmanagement application 320 can provide a number of features to collectthe desired data 110 and present information to the user. Examples shownin the exemplary embodiment include a weight management applicationGraphical User Interface (GUI) 323, a weight management applicationscheduler 324, a weight management application measurement 325, a weightmanagement application notification 326, weight management applicationquestions 327, and the like.

Data can be acquired from other sources, such as the weight managementscale 200, a weight management third-party application 430, a bloodpressure monitor 800, a glucose monitor 1000, and the like. The weightmanagement application 320 can operate independently or in conjunctionwith a web-based application 420. In the exemplary schematic illustratedin FIG. 9, the weight management system network 400 employs a web-basedapplication 420. In an alternative configuration, the weight managementapplication 320 can operate independently and would incorporate thefunctionality of the exemplary web-based application 420.

Data weight management system baseline data 110 can be transferredbetween the weight management application 320 and the web-basedapplication 420 directly or indirectly, such as through a weightmanagement system network non-volatile remote services 410. Informationacquired by the weight management scale 200 can be transferred to theweight management system network non-volatile remote services 410 foruse by the web-based application 420. The web-based application 420 caninclude a number of features. The exemplary web-based application 420includes a user profile 421, a user scheduler 422, a set of weightmanagement system rules 423, a weight management questions bank 425, aweight management decision engine 426, and capability of using weightmanagement third-party content 429. An exemplary series of questionsthat can be included within the weight management questions bank 425 isprovided near the end of this disclosure.

The user profile 421 acquires, retains and updates a profile of theaccount user.

The weight management questions bank 425 contains a series of questionsto obtain and collect information from the user. The series of questionsincluded in the weight management questions bank 425 are directed to aidthe weight management decision engine 426 in determining suggestedchanges to the user's activities, environment, routines, eating habits,and the like. Essentially, the exemplary weight management decisionengine 426 provides the functionality of the weight management systemprocessing 130 described above. The weight management decision engine426 can utilize the weight management system rules 423 in conjunctionwith data collected using the weight management questions bank 425 aswell as data collected by the weight management application 320 toprovide the suggested changes. The weight management decision engine 426can additionally consider information collected through weightmanagement third-party content 429 when determining suggested guidanceto the user. The weight management decision engine 426 would utilizehistorical information acquired over time, including weight measurements325, user activities, and the like. Details are provided below.

The web-based application 420 provides a communication system betweenthe weight management application 320 operating on the portablecomputing device 300, the weight management scale 200, weight managementsystem network non-volatile remote services 410, and a web-basedapplication 420. One or more weight management third-party applications430 can be included, wherein the weight management third-partyapplication 430 can reside and operate on the weight managementapplication 320 or reside and/or operate on a different computingdevice, such as a server, a different computer, and the like.

The weight management system 100 utilizes constant feedback to determineimprovements in the individual's health and fitness. The feedbackadditionally information the system of suggestions that are working andthose suggestions that do not appear to be working. The feedback can becorrelated to certain events or a period of time considered to be ananomaly, such as holidays referenced by a holiday time band 729 (asshown in FIG. 12).

The system can be adapted to provide feedback at specific times and/orlocations. For example, the portable computing device 300 would includea GPS system 344, which would notify the Application 320 of a locationof the individual. For example, this feature can inform the Application320 that the individual is at a restaurant, wherein the Application 320would respond by presenting a recommendation for an entree. TheApplication 320 can go farther by recommending a different restaurant.Conversely, the Application 320 can recognize a lunch time and present asuggested location and menu for the individual for lunch.

The weight management system 100 would monitor the activities of theindividual to determine any changes in the environment, activities,habits, and the like and optimize the health and fitness plansaccordingly.

The system additionally utilizes a health index number.

The system collects the following information to determine the healthindex number:

Individual's Current Age [Age(C)]

Individual's Ideal Age [Age(I)]

Individual's Starting or Initial Weight [Weight(S)]

Individual's Current Weight [Weight(C)]

Individual's Ideal Weight [Weight(I)]

The system utilizes the collected information to determine an effectiveloss in age, wherein the effective loss in age is calculated using aneffective loss in age equation of:

${{Effective}\mspace{14mu}{Loss}\mspace{14mu}{In}\mspace{14mu}{Age}} = {\frac{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(C)}} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(I)}} \right\rbrack}*\left\lbrack {\left( {{{Age}(C)}*{factor}} \right) - {{Age}(I)}} \right\rbrack}$

The system utilizes the collected information to determine the healthindex number, wherein the health index number is calculated using ahealth index number equation of:

${{Health}\mspace{14mu}{Index}\mspace{14mu}{Number}} = {{{Age}(C)} - {\frac{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(C)}} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{{Weight}(S)} - {{Weight}(I)}} \right\rbrack}*\left\lbrack {\left( {{{Age}(C)}*{factor}} \right) - {{Age}(I)}} \right\rbrack}}$

The health index number can be charted within Bollinger Bands, asillustrated in FIGS. 10 through 12.

Bollinger bands were introduced by John Bollinger as new indicators.Bollinger bands are an interesting tool because one sees the channel orband of their weight history (and the individual can define the movingaverage period and even whether it is a simple or exponential movingaverage). The individual can also define the upper and lower banddistance by using standard deviation (and the number used here couldrelate to “just noticeable differences”).

There are 3 indicators: Bandwidth, BBImpulse, and percent bandwidth (%b).

BBImpulse measures price change as a function of the bands; percentbandwidth (% b), which normalizes the width of the bands over time; andbandwidth delta, which quantifies the changing width of the bands.

The percent bandwidth (% b) (pronounced “percent b”) is derived from theformula for Stochastics and shows where price is in relation to thebands. % b equals 1 at the upper band and 0 at the lower band. Writing“upperBB” for the upper Bollinger Band, “lowerBB” for the lowerBollinger Band, and “last” for the last (price) value:% b=(last−lowerBB)/(upperBB−lowerBB)

Bandwidth indicates how wide the Bollinger Bands are on a normalizedbasis. Writing the same symbols as before, and “middleBB” for the movingaverage, or middle Bollinger Band:Bandwidth=(upperBB−lowerBB)/middleBB

Using the default parameters of a 20-period look back and plus/minus twostandard deviations, bandwidth is equal to four times the 20-periodcoefficient of variation.

Uses for % b include system building and pattern recognition. Uses forbandwidth include identification of opportunities arising from relativeextremes in volatility and trend identification.

This means that increases in bandwidth would be expected with holidaysor illness. The % b is a great metric for a single number that tells anindividual “relative” to their range, are they low, medium, high.

BBImpulse appears to help identify degree of change, relative to oneselfand their history.

Bollinger Bands were initially adapted for a financial application. Thedisclosed system adapts the Bollinger Bands to a health and fitnessenvironment.

A first exemplary weight scaling Bollinger Band chart 500, shown in FIG.10, presents a trending history of an individual's health index numberover a period of time 712, where the chart shows a downward trend. Theweight scaling Bollinger Band chart 500 includes a weight axis 510(located along a vertical axis) and a time axis 512 (located along ahorizontal axis. The weight management scale 200 acquires weightmeasurements 530, 531, 532, 533, 534 (as examples), which are charted inthe weight scaling Bollinger Band chart 500. The charted measurements530, 531, 532, 533, 534 (as examples) indicate a decreasing trend.Bollinger Bands are overlaid onto the weight scaling Bollinger Bandchart 500, as illustrated. The Bollinger Bands are aligned with aneutral reference line 520 established at any suitable point, such as aninitial weight measurement 530. A first upper band extends between theneutral reference line 520 and a first upper band boundary 522. A secondupper band extends between the first upper band boundary 522 and asecond upper band boundary 524. Similarly, a first lower band extendsbetween the neutral reference line 520 and a first lower band boundary523. A second lower band extends between the first lower band boundary523 and a second lower band boundary 525. When a weight measurementfalls within a certain band, the band information is conveyed to theweight management system processing 130. The weight management systemprocessing 130 uses the band information as a component in an analysisto determine if changes in activities, diet, and the like should besuggested to the user.

Additional weight measurements are taken over time, each weightmeasurement indicated by a like symbol. It is noted that the exemplaryweight scaling Bollinger Band chart 500 orients the Bollinger Bandshorizontally. The horizontal orientation of the Bollinger Bandsindicates that the changes in the user's health are nominal and could beimproved.

A second exemplary chart, referred to as a weight scaling Bollinger Bandchart 600, shown in FIG. 11, presents a trending history of anindividual's health index number over a period of time 612, where thechart shows a downward trend. Elements of the weight scaling BollingerBand chart 600 are similar to the elements of the weight scalingBollinger Band chart 500. Like elements of the weight scaling BollingerBand chart 600 and the weight scaling Bollinger Band chart 500 arenumbered the same, except preceded by the numeral ‘6’. The weight of theuser is indicating a downward trend. The Bollinger Bands are orientedhaving a downward slope over time. The chart presents the upper andlower bounds of the Bollinger Bands are shown adapted to better presentthe trending improvements of the individual. The downward slopingorientation of the Bollinger Bands indicates that the changes in theuser's health are suggesting an improvement.

A third exemplary chart, referred to as a weight scaling Bollinger Bandchart 700, shown in FIG. 12, presents a trending history of anindividual's health index number over a period of time, where themeasurements over time 712 include an outlier period, such as a holidaytime band 729. Elements of the weight scaling Bollinger Band chart 700are similar to the elements of the weight scaling Bollinger Band chart500. Like elements of the weight scaling Bollinger Band chart 700 andthe weight scaling Bollinger Band chart 500 are numbered the same,except preceded by the numeral ‘7’. The exception is the introduction ofthe holiday time band 729. During the holiday time band 729, theBollinger Bands are arched, wherein the arched section accommodates anincrease in weight due to extenuating circumstances and accounts forthis accordingly. More specifically, the weight management system 100accommodates extenuating circumstances without impacting or trying toover compensate with changes to the user's weight management systemrecommended actions 160 (including the user's activities, environment,routines, and the like).

The weight management system 100 can be adapted to return the healthindex number to a baseline number when the weight management system 100determines that the respective user fails to submit any predetermineddata within a pre-establish period of time. For example, the weightmanagement system 100 can be adapted to return the health index numberto the baseline number if the user fails to submit a weight measurement112 within the pre-establish period of time, such as 7 days.

Although the present disclosure is adapted towards a weight measurement,it is understood that the health index number and other features can beadapted to other health metrics, such as blood pressure, heart rate, fatcontent, cholesterol, blood sugar level, and the like.

The disclosure describes a system that employs a scale for obtaining aweight measurement of an individual and a blood pressure monitor forobtaining a blood pressure of an individual. A glucose monitor 1000(FIGS. 9, 16, 18, and 19) can be substituted for the blood pressureacquisition system 800 described herein. Similar to the blood pressureacquisition system 800, the glucose monitor 1000 would include acommunication interface (such as a 1045 for use with a universal serialbus (USB) circuitry 1044 or a wireless communication circuit 1070) forproviding acquired information to the portable computing device 300. Theglucose monitor 1000 can be manufactured utilizing componentsreplicating functions of any commercially available glucose monitor.Typically, the glucose monitor 1000 includes three separate componentsor functional elements. First is the meter itself, glucose monitoringsystem 1000. Usually smaller than a cell phone, it is the brains of thesystem. Components of an exemplary glucose monitoring system 1000 arepresented in FIG. 18. The exemplary glucose monitoring system 1000includes a glucose monitoring system programmable system on a chip 1010(such as the blood glucose meter programmable system on a chip providedby Cypress Semiconductor), which significantly simplifies themanufacturing or assembly of the glucose monitoring system 1000. Theglucose monitoring system programmable system on a chip 1010 isintegrated into a system contained within a glucose monitoring systemhousing 1002. A portable power supply (for example a battery) 1043provides power to the glucose monitoring system 1000. The power ismanaged by a power management circuitry 1042. Blood glucose informationis obtained via a sensor bank (optical/electrochemical) 1032. The sensorbank (optical/electrochemical) 1032 receives information from a bloodglucose test strip 1080. The information is passed through a series ofamplifiers 1018. The output from each of the series of amplifiers 1018passes through an amplifier 1019 and forwarded through aprogrammable-gain amplifier (PGA) 1013. The amplified signal is thenprocessed by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1014, which forwardsthe signal to a microcontroller unit (MCU) 1012. Logic, morespecifically, a blood detect logic 1030 analyzes the sample of blood 899provided on the blood glucose test strip 1080 via the sensor bank(optical/electrochemical) 1032 at the microcontroller unit (MCU) 1012 todetermine the blood levels. Commonly, output from the microcontrollerunit (MCU) 1012 can be provided to the user in a variety of ways. In oneoption, the information can be provided via a liquid crystal display(LCD) 1055, which is operated by a liquid crystal display (LCD) driver1054. In a second option, the information can be provided via an audibleoutput device (speaker) 1059, which is operated by a pulse widthmodulation (PWM) 1058. In the subject application, the measurement ofthe blood glucose level would be provided to the portable computingdevice 300 via a universal serial bus (USB) cable 1048 connected to auniversal serial bus (USB) connector 1045 of the glucose monitoringsystem 1000. Data would be communicated through the universal serial bus(USB) connector 1045 using a universal serial bus (USB) circuitry 1044.Alternatively, data can be provided wirelessly, such as by a wirelesscommunication circuit 1070, which would communication to a liketransceiver circuit of the portable computing device 300, as shown byconnection “A”. In the present application, it is preferred that thevalue of the blood glucose level is not displayed to the user. Signalsfrom the microcontroller unit (MCU) 1012 can be communicated to thesensor bank (optical/electrochemical) 1032 via the digital-to-analogconverter (DAC) 1016. Operation of the glucose monitoring system 1000can be provided by user inputs. User inputs are provided via a userinput device 1051, which can be provided directly to the microcontrollerunit (MCU) 1012 or through a capacitive touch sensing technology(capsense) 1050. Time can be provided by a real time clock 1040. Thereal time clock 1040 provides real time information to themicrocontroller unit (MCU) 1012. An optional temperature sensor 1034 canbe integrated into the glucose monitoring system programmable system ona chip 1010 to provide temperature data to the glucose monitoring systemprogrammable system on a chip 1010. The elements of the glucosemonitoring system 1000 would be contained within a glucose monitoringsystem housing 1002.

The next component of the system is the blood glucose test strip 1080.The blood glucose test strips 1080 are thin flexible plastic matchsticksbetween half an inch and an inch long; usually an eighth inch or sowide. The blood glucose test strips 1080 are actually quite a bit morecomplex than they appear; sandwiched between a top foil 1081 and abottom foil 1082 is quite a bit of science. The blood glucose teststrips 1080 are designed to wick in a small blood sample 899 foranalysis by the meter 1000. The blood glucose test strips 1080 aredisposable one-shot wonders. A plurality of electrodes is applied to thebottom foil 1082. The electrodes include a fill-trigger electrode 1084,a working electrode 1086, and a reference electrode 1088. An enzymelayer 1089 is commonly included with the working electrode 1086. The topfoil 1081 is secured atop of the plurality of electrodes using anybonding material, such as a double sided adhesive 1083, as shown in theexemplary illustration.

The third part of the glucose monitor 1000 trilogy is the lancing device1090, which is introduced in FIG. 16. Often vaguely pen-shaped, this isa spring-loaded plastic mechanism whose job it is to poke a small holein the skin of the patient with minimum pain. The glucose lansing device1090 includes a glucose lansing device body 1092 (which is often vaguelypen-shaped), a lancet 1094 located at an operational end of the glucoselansing device body 1092 and a lansing trigger 1096. The lansing trigger1096 operates the spring-loaded plastic mechanism.

The glucose monitor 1000 would be exclusive of any function that woulddisplay or otherwise communicate a measured glucose level of anindividual. The system can be adapted for use with any biometric dataacquisition device.

The process of determining a blood glucose level is illustrated in FIG.16. In use, the user would employ the glucose lansing device 1090 todraw a user's blood drop specimen 899 from a user's glucose test finger896 of a user's hand 894. This can be accomplished by inserting a lancet1094 into the glucose lansing device body 1092. The user would thenplace the lancet 1094 against skin of the user's glucose test finger 896and actuate the lansing trigger 1096, causing the lancet 1094 to piercethe skin of the user's glucose test finger 896, thus drawing the user'sblood drop specimen 899. An end of the blood glucose test strip 1080 isplaced adjacent to the user's blood drop specimen 899, drawing bloodfrom the user's blood drop specimen 899. The glucose monitoring system1000 processes the sample of provided blood to determine the bloodglucose level. The determined blood glucose level is conveyed to theportable computing device 300 via any suitable communication link, suchas an exemplary universal serial bus (USB) cable 1048 shown in theillustration. Upon receipt of the blood glucose level, the portablecomputing device 300 utilizes a glucose level acquisition operatinginstruction set 1020 in a manner similar to the blood pressureacquisition operating instruction set 820 as described above.

The portable computing device having a color index display 300 a can beadapted for use with any biometric data acquisition device, includingthe weight management scale 200 (as illustrated in FIG. 13), the bloodpressure acquisition system 800, the glucose monitoring system 1000, andthe like Similarly, the function provided by the examples presented inFIG. 14 can be adapted for use with any biometric data acquisitiondevice, including the weight management scale 200 (as illustrated inFIG. 13), the blood pressure acquisition system 800, the glucosemonitoring system 1000, and the like. The blood pressure output display900 can be adapted for historical presentation of blood sugar levelswhen using the glucose monitoring system 1000. This can include bloodsugar levels (mg/dl), time of measurement, date of measurement, and thelike.

The same metrics system can be adapted to other facets of anindividual's lifestyle. For example, the individual can enter financialinformation into the system. The system can then utilize the financialinformation to provide the individual with guidance on their financialhabits. This would be accomplished in a manner similar to the use of theindividual's weight, where the financial information would be utilizedin an algorithm to determine an index number. The index number wouldthen be used by an Application or other computing system operating inaccordance with a set of instructions similar to those described aboveto provide suggestions to the individual to manage their financialcondition.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalence.

ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONS

Ref No. Description

-   100 weight management system-   102 health management system-   104 health management system-   110 weight management system baseline data-   112 wireless scale information-   113 blood pressure and/or heart rate information-   114 activity tracker-   116 Global Position System (GPS) location-   118 ancillary information-   120 baseline data collection and pattern recognition step-   130 weight management system processing-   132 weight management system processing steps-   140 feedback loop-   150 curated content-   160 weight management system recommended actions-   162 health advice-   164 social challenges-   166 commercial offers-   170 wireless communication link-   200 weight management scale-   202 weight management scale housing-   210 weight management scale microprocessor-   212 weight management scale non-volatile digital memory-   220 weight management scale operating instruction set-   230 weight management scale portable power supply-   232 weight management scale power regulator-   234 weight management scale line power input-   236 weight management scale wireless power charging circuit-   240 weight acquisition element-   250 weight management scale display-   270 weight management scale wireless communication circuit-   300 portable computing device-   300 a portable computing device having a color index display-   300 b portable computing device having a second exemplary color    state display-   300 c portable computing device having a third exemplary color state    display-   300 d portable computing device having a fourth exemplary color    state display-   302 portable computing device housing-   310 portable computing device microprocessor-   312 portable computing device non-volatile digital memory-   318 health index number-   320 weight management application-   320 a exemplary first color display-   320 b exemplary second color display-   320 c exemplary third color display-   320 d exemplary fourth color display-   320 e exemplary fifth color display-   321 user account creation icon-   322 user account log in icon-   323 weight management application Graphical User Interface (GUI)-   324 weight management application scheduler-   325 weight management application measurements-   326 weight management application notifications-   327 weight management application questions-   330 portable computing device portable power supply-   332 portable computing device power regulator-   334 portable computing device line power input-   335 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port-   336 portable computing device wireless power charging circuit-   340 portable computing device mechanical user input device-   342 portable computing device camera-   344 portable computing device Global Position System (GPS) receiver-   346 portable computing device accelerometer-   350 portable computing device display-   352 portable computing device speaker-   354 portable computing device haptic feedback generator-   370 portable computing device wireless communication circuit-   400 weight management system network-   410 weight management system network non-volatile remote services-   420 web-based application-   421 user profile-   422 user scheduler-   423 weight management system rules-   425 weight management questions bank-   426 weight management decision engine-   429 weight management third-party content-   430 weight management third-party application-   500 weight scaling Bollinger Band chart-   510 weight axis-   512 time axis-   520 neutral reference line-   522 first upper band boundary-   523 first lower band boundary-   524 second upper band boundary-   525 second lower band boundary-   530 first exemplary weight measurement-   531 second exemplary weight measurement-   532 third exemplary weight measurement-   533 fourth exemplary weight measurement-   534 fifth exemplary weight measurement-   535 sixth exemplary weight measurement-   600 weight scaling Bollinger Band chart-   610 weight axis-   612 time axis-   620 neutral reference line-   621 initial weight reference line-   622 first upper band boundary-   623 first lower band boundary-   624 second upper band boundary-   625 second lower band boundary-   630 first exemplary weight measurement-   631 second exemplary weight measurement-   632 third exemplary weight measurement-   633 fourth exemplary weight measurement-   634 fifth exemplary weight measurement-   700 weight scaling Bollinger Band chart-   710 weight axis-   712 time axis-   720 neutral reference line-   722 first upper band boundary-   723 first lower band boundary-   724 second upper band boundary-   725 second lower band boundary-   729 holiday time band-   730 first exemplary weight measurement-   731 second exemplary weight measurement-   732 third exemplary weight measurement-   733 fourth exemplary weight measurement-   734 fifth exemplary weight measurement-   800 blood pressure acquisition system-   802 blood pressure acquisition system electronics assembly housing-   810 blood pressure acquisition system microprocessor-   814 pressure sensor-   820 blood pressure acquisition operating instruction set-   835 blood pressure acquisition system connector-   840 blood pressure acquisition element (pressure cuff)-   842 pressure generator-   844 pressure relief control-   846 pressure control transfer tube-   848 pressure output transfer tube-   870 blood pressure acquisition wireless communication circuit-   880 communication cable assembly-   882 communication cable-   884 communication cable first end connector-   886 communication cable second end connector-   890 user-   892 user's upper arm-   894 user's hand-   896 user's glucose test finger-   899 user's blood drop specimen-   900 blood pressure output display-   910 daily view selection-   912 weekly view selection-   914 monthly view selection-   916 date display-   918 date incrementing scroll icon-   920 systolic (sys) pressure-   922 diastolic (dia) pressure-   924 heart beat rate-   930 reference chart-   932 systolic (sys) pressure column-   934 diastolic (dia) pressure column-   940 normal blood pressure level reference-   942 elevated blood pressure level reference-   944 high blood pressure level (stage) reference-   946 high blood pressure level (stage) reference-   1000 glucose monitoring system-   1002 glucose monitoring system housing-   1010 glucose monitoring system programmable system on a chip-   1012 microcontroller unit (MCU)-   1013 programmable-gain amplifier (pga)-   1014 analog-to-digital converter (ADC)-   1016 digital-to-analog converter (DAC)-   1018 amplifier-   1019 capacitive touch sensing technology (capsense)-   1020 glucose level acquisition operating instruction set-   1030 blood detect logic-   1032 sensor bank (optical/electrochemical)-   1034 temperature sensor-   1040 real time clock-   1042 power management circuitry-   1043 portable power supply (battery)-   1044 universal serial bus (USB) circuitry-   1045 universal serial bus (USB) connector-   1048 universal serial bus (USB) cable-   1050 capacitive touch sensing technology (capsense)-   1051 user input device-   1054 liquid crystal display (LCD) driver-   1055 liquid crystal display (LCD)-   1058 pulse width modulation (PWM)-   1059 audible output device (speaker)-   1070 wireless communication circuit-   1080 blood glucose test strip-   1081 top foil-   1082 bottom foil-   1083 double sided adhesive-   1084 fill-trigger electrode-   1086 working electrode-   1088 reference electrode-   1089 enzyme layer-   1090 glucose lansing device-   1092 glucose lansing device body-   1094 lancet-   1096 lansing trigger    Exemplary Questionnaire    General Overview:    -   Ask questions    -   Wait two weeks    -   Start producing recommendations daily    -   Ideally, people are able to (via text?) say that they completed        the recommendation at the end of the day        Online Questionnaire        Demographics        1. How do you identify?

Female

Male

Other

2. What is your age?

______

3. What is your height?

______ feet ______ inches

4. What is your relationship status?

single

in a relationship

married

divorced

5. How many children do you have?

0

1

2

3

4

5+

Home

6. Where do you live?

Urban

rural

suburban

7. With whom do you live?

Alone

With roommates

With your significant other or spouse

With your family members

8. Which of the following do you have within 15 min of your house?Please check all that apply

Park or green space

Walking or hiking trails

Beach

9. How long does it take you to get to the nearest grocery store?

Under 10 min

10-20 min

20-30 min

30+

10. Do you have a close friend or family member who lives within walkingdistance from your house?

yes (how many) ______

no

Eating & Cooking Habits

11. How many times a month does your household go grocery shopping? Usethe total number of all members of your household.

______

12. Of those times, how many times did you specifically go groceryshopping in the last month?

______

13. What do you currently have at home? Check all that apply

Fresh fruit

Fresh vegetables

Frozen fruit

Frozen vegetables

Ice cream

Cake or pastry

Frozen dinners or frozen pizza

Fish or seafood

Chicken

Turkey

Red meat such as beef or pork

Cereal

Chips

Candy

Nuts

Beans

Bread

Soda

Beer

Wine

Hard alcohol

14. In the last week, how many times did you

Cook, prepare, or pack lunch for yourself? ______

Cook, prepare, or pack lunch for others? ______

Cook dinner? ______

15. How many times in the last week did you eat home-cooked meals?

Breakfast ______

Lunch ______

Dinner ______

16. How many times in the last week did you eat out?

Breakfast ______

Lunch ______

Dinner ______

[Skip if 0] 17. Of these, how many were at a fast food restaurant?

Breakfast ______

Lunch ______

Dinner ______

18. How many times a day on average do you snack? Reflect on the lastweek to figure this out. A snack=anything eaten in between meals.

______

[Skip if 0] 19. In the last week, which snacks did you eat? Please checkall that apply

-   -   Candy    -   Chips    -   Nuts    -   Chocolate    -   String cheese    -   Crackers    -   Fruit    -   Vegetables    -   Ice cream    -   Left overs        20. How many times in the last week did you have a dessert after        lunch?

______

21. How many times in the last week did you have a dessert after dinner?

______

[Skip if 0 for 20 and 21] 22. In the last week, which desserts did youeat? Please check all that apply

-   -   Cake or pie    -   Pastry    -   Candy    -   Chocolate    -   Fruit    -   Ice cream    -   Frozen yogurt        23. What time did you have breakfast yesterday?

7 am

8 am

9 am

10 am

I did not have breakfast

[Skip if “I did not have breakfast”] 24. What did beverage did you havewith breakfast yesterday? (check all that apply):

-   -   water    -   coffee    -   tea    -   juice    -   none of the above        25. What time did you have lunch yesterday?

11 am

12 pm

1 pm

2 pm

I did not have lunch

26. What time did you have dinner yesterday?

5 pm

6 pm

7 pm

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

I did not have dinner

[Skip if “I did not have dinner”] 27. With whom did you have dinneryesterday?

-   -   Alone    -   With a friend(s)    -   With my spouse or family        [Skip if “I did not have dinner”] 28. When you had dinner        yesterday, what was the setting? check all that apply    -   I sat at the dinner table    -   The TV was on    -   I was in front of my computer/tablet        [Skip if “I did not have dinner”] 29. When you had dinner        yesterday, how long did dinner take?    -   ______ minutes        30. Do you have a dining room or kitchen table with a table and        chairs at home?

Yes

No

31. In the last month where did you most often eat dinner?

In the kitchen

In the dining room

In the living room

In my bedroom

Work

32. Where do you usually work?

I go to work ______ days a week

I work from home ______ days a week

[Skip if “I work from home=0”] 33. How do you usually get to work?

-   -   walk    -   bike    -   use public transportation    -   drive/carpool        [Skip if “I work from home >1”] 34. At work, check all that        apply:    -   There is a cafeteria that serves food    -   There is a lunch room where you can eat food if you bring it        from home    -   There is a refrigerator to store food    -   There is a microwave to heat up food    -   There are at least 3 healthy restaurants nearby        [Skip if “I work from home”] 35. Are there vending machines at        work?    -   Yes    -   No        [Skip if “No” or “I work from home >1”] 36. Last week, how many        times did you get a snack or soda out of the vending machine at        work?    -   ______        37. Over the last month, on average, how many hours a day did        you work?

0

1-6

6-8

8-10

10-12

Over 12

38. How much physical activity does your work involve?

Very little—I'm mostly sitting or standing

Light physical activity such as walking (under half of the time)

Moderate physical activity such as walking or jogging (over half of thetime)

Heavy physical activity such as lifting

39. Last week, how many times did you eat lunch with another person?

______

40. Last week, how many times did you eat lunch:

At home? ______

Out? ______

At my desk at work? ______

At the cafeteria or lunch room? ______

Free Time

41. Do you have a membership to a gym or exercise facilities?

Yes

No

[Skip if no] 42. Where is the gym or exercise facility? Please check allthat apply

-   -   At home    -   At work    -   Within 15 min drive from home        43. What do you do with free time in the evening? Please check        all that apply

Watch television or play video games

Socialize with friends

Read

Exercise alone

Exercise with a friend or family member

Go shopping

Play with or care for my children

Attend a cultural event or talk

Engage in a creative or activity such as painting or playing aninstrument

Engage in an outdoor activity

Go to a party

Go to a bar

Go dancing

Walk my dog

44. What do you do with free time on the weekend? Please check all thatapply

Watch television or play video games

Socialize with friends

Read

Exercise alone

Exercise with a friend or family member

Go shopping

Play with or care for my children

Attend a cultural event or talk

Engage in a creative or activity such as painting or playing aninstrument

Engage in an outdoor activity

Go to a party

Go to a bar

Go dancing

Walk my dog

45. Which of the following is most accurate about you?

I love cooking

Cooking is ok; I wouldn't mind trying to do more of it

I'm not a big fan of cooking

I hate cooking

46. Think about the times you felt stressed over the last month. Howmuch stress did each of these cause? [show 5 point scale of none to verymuch]

Work

Finances

Conflict with a family member, friend, or significant other

Worrying about my child/children

Other

47. Please rank the moments when you felt the most stress with 1=themost stress and 6=the least stress

When I first woke up

During my commute to work

While at work

On my commute home from work

After arriving home

When trying to fall asleep

48. Which of the following did you do when you were stressed? [show 5point scale of never too often]

Reached out to a friend or family member

Went for a walk

Ate comfort food or junk food

Listened to music

Exercised

Drank alcohol

Went shopping

Meditated

Smoked a cigarette

Used a recreational drug

Other ______

49. How often do you travel in a typical month?

almost never

1-3 days/month

4-7 days/month

7-14 days/month

14+ days/month

50. New ideas and projects sometimes distract me from previous ones

Very much like me

Mostly like me

Somewhat like me

Not much like me

Not like me at all

51. Setbacks don't discourage me

Very much like me

Mostly like me

Somewhat like me

Not much like me

Not like me at all

52. I have been obsessed with a certain idea or project for a short timebut later lost interest.

Very much like me

Mostly like me

Somewhat like me

Not much like me

Not like me at all

53. I am a hard worker

Very much like me

Mostly like me

Somewhat like me

Not much like me

Not like me at all

54. I often set a goal but later pursue a different one

Very much like me

Mostly like me

Somewhat like me

Not much like me

Not like me at all

55. I have difficulty maintaining my focus on projects that take morethan a few months to complete.

Very much like me

Mostly like me

Somewhat like me

Not much like me

Not like me at all

56. I finish whatever I begin.

Very much like me

Mostly like me

Somewhat like me

Not much like me

Not like me at all

57. I am diligent.

Very much like me

Mostly like me

Somewhat like me

Not much like me

Not like me at all

In-App Questions

Questions Used as “Incentive” for Daily Weigh-in During First Two Weeks

58. I have a hard time breaking bad habits

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

59. I am lazy

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

60. I say inappropriate things

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

61. I do certain things that are bad for me, if they are fun

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

62. I refuse things that are bad for me

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

63. I'm good at resisting temptation.

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

64. I wish I had more self-discipline

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

65. People would say that I have iron self-discipline

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

66. Pleasure and fun sometimes keep me from getting work done

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

67. I have trouble concentrating

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

68. I am able to work effectively toward long-term goals

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

69. Sometimes I can't stop myself from doing something, even if I knowit is wrong.

Not at all to very much (5 point scale)

70. I often act without thinking through all the alternatives.

Not at all to very much (5 point scale

Suggested Examples of Feedback

Key:

1=Display only once

G=Display with long gaps in between/infrequently

Suggestions for Everyone:

Eat dinner with no distractions—no TV, cellphone. Eat slowly and enjoy.

Snack proof your home—put all junk food away in an inconvenientlocation. The more inconvenient, the better: in your laundry room, in areally hard-to-reach drawer, etc. 1

Buy fruit and put it in a bowl in a prominent area of your kitchen. 1

Eat at least one meal today outdoors. If that's not possible, eat asclose as you can to the window with lots of natural light.

Clear your kitchen counters of clutter. Put away all food except forfruit. G

Reorganize your fridge. Move unhealthy items to the back and bringhealthy items to the front and center. Store healthy items intransparent containers or plastic wrap. G

Take out a piece of paper and write out the following statement, “Ivalue being healthy because . . . ” Complete it with your reasons (e.g.I want to live a long life for my kids, to have more energy, etc). Putthis on your fridge. 1

Play slow music during dinner tonight.

Download a new podcast episode. Allow yourself to listen to it only whenexercising. Don't have a favorite podcast? Here is a recommendedpodcast: www.sample podcast.com

Use the Half-Plate Rule for your next meal. Serve whatever you′d like(e.g. protein & starch) on one half, as long as vegetables make up theother half.

Eat something green. For example: lettuce, broccoli, green beans, andgreen pepper.

Go to bed 30 minutes earlier tonight.

Drink a full glass of water before your next meal.

Cut your screen time 1 hour before bed.

Get colorful! Try to add as much color to your next meal. For example,add bright reds (tomatoes), oranges (carrots), yellows (peppers) orgreens (green beans).

Write a message to your 85-year old self. Tell yourself why you're happyyou stayed healthy and what sorts of things you got to do in your lifeas a result.

At your next meal, try eating with chopsticks. If you don't havechopsticks, make sure to put your fork down in between bites whileyou're chewing. G

If 7=With your family members AND 8 at least 1 checked

Go for a walk with your family

If 8>1 checked

Get some fresh air. Go for a 30-min walk or bike ride around yourneighborhood or at a nearby park.

If 10=yes OR 43=yes OR 44=yes

Call or message a friend to invite them to go for a walk.

Call or message a friend to make plans that include physical activity.For example, invite them to join you jogging, tennis, hiking, etc.

Call or message a friend to make plans that are not centered aroundeating or drinking. For example: check out a museum, go to a cultural orart event, play Frisbee® or mini-golf.

If 12>2

Write out a shopping list for your next trip to the grocery store.Include 3 fruits (and 3 vegetables and on your list. How about: apples,strawberries, bananas and green beans, carrots, and broccoli?

Try adding a fruit you don't usually eat to your grocery list. How aboutplums, mango, pomegranate, or kiwi?

Try adding a vegetable you don't usually eat to your grocery list. Howabout bok-choy, arugula, or cauliflower?

Try adding a vegetable you don't usually eat to your grocery list. Howabout asparagus, zucchini, or kale?

Look up a new recipe like www.samplewebsite.com to try and buy theingredients to make it.

If 13 Soda Checked

Move your soda from the fridge to your cabinet. G

If 14>2

Try making a favorite recipe but substitute in some differentingredients such as vegetables and spices.

Make one healthy substitution on your grocery list. For example: replaceof white pasta with whole wheat pasta or white rice with brown rice.

If 15>2

Measure the plates in your home. Ideally they should measure around 9.5inches. If they are larger than 11 inches, buy new plates. Coloredplates are better than white ones. Something like this:www.samplewebsite.com.

If 18>2

Have a snack, but instead of eating it out of the bag, pour it into asmall bowl. Pour one serving's worth.

If 30=yes AND 31=in the kitchen or in the living room or in my bedroom

Eat dinner in your dining room.

If 32 I go to work >2

Snack proof your office—clear unhealthy food from the top of your desk.Put it away in your desk drawers.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator today.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator today. Take 2 at a time.

Bring fruit to work as a snack. If you don't have fruit, buy some.

Buy healthy nuts like almonds. Pre-pack them in small snack bags (about20 almonds) and bring them to work as a snack.

Bring a water bottle to work. As you drink the water, use each time thatyou run out as an excuse to get up and stretch your legs a bit when yourefill it.

If 32=I go to Work >5 or More

Set up 5 glasses on your desk and fill them up with water. Drink themthroughout the day.

If 33=Use Public Transportation

Get off one stop earlier than you usually would on your commute and walkinstead.

If 33=Drive/Carpool

Park in a spot that's far from your office and enjoy the extra few stepsto decompress before jumping into work mode.

If 33=Walk

Challenge yourself—wear comfortable shoes and see if you can get to workextra fast today. Time yourself!

If 33=Walk or Bike

Switch it up: take a different route to or from work.

If 34=there is a Refrigerator to Store Food

Pack a healthy lunch to bring to bring to work. Pack it the night beforeso you can grab it and go in the morning.

If 34=there are at Least 3 Healthy Restaurants Nearby

Go to the nearest healthy restaurant to your work and get a copy oftheir menu. Circle the healthiest items and keep this at your desk. 1

If 38=Very Little—I'm Mostly Sitting or Standing

Set 3 alarms on your phone to go off during the work day. Space them 1-2hours apart. Each time an alarm goes off, get up, stretch, and walkaround.

If 41=Yes

Pick a time that you'll go to the gym this week. Add it to yourcalendar.

If 41=yes

Look up a gym or fitness class that you′d like to attend and add it toyour calendar.

If 45=I love cooking AND 43=Play with or care for my children

Cook with your child/children tonight. Teach them how to make a healthyrecipe.

If 46>4

Write down 3 things you are grateful for. G

If 46>4 AND 7=with Roommates, with Your Significant Other or Spouse orwith Your Family Members

At dinner tonight, go around the table and have everyone share goodthing that happened today, or one thing they are grateful for.

If 46>6

Watch a funny movie or show. G

Download a funny podcast. Not sure which one to pick? Try www.samplewebsite.com. G

Take a relaxing bath. G

Call a family member to catch up and tell them you miss them. G

If 46>4 AND if 32 I go to Work >2

Send a brief email to a colleague and tell them they did a good job on arecent project or assignment. G

Send a brief email to a mentor or colleague who has helped you and thankthem for their role in supporting you. 1

If 46 Finances>3

Set up an automatic transfer in your bank account from checking tosavings. We recommend starting with $25/week. 1

If 49=7-14 Days/Month or 14+Days/Month

Stock up on some travel-friendly snacks so you'll have them ready foryour next trip. We like 100-calorie almond packs, protein bars, orgranola bars. Store them in the suitcase you usually travel with. G

If 49=14+Days/Month

Put your sneakers in your suitcase you normally travel with and includea piece of paper that says: “Airport challenge: no moving walkways,escalators, or elevators.” This will be a reminder for your next trip.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual, the method comprising steps of: a) acquiring a health indicating measurement of the individual using a health indicating measurement acquisition device, wherein the health indicating measurement acquisition device is configured to not directly or indirectly convey the health indicating measurement to the individual; b) providing an output including the health indicating measurement from the health indicating measurement acquisition device to a computer processing device, wherein the computer processing device is remote from the health indicating measurement acquisition device and operates in accordance with an algorithm included within an operating instruction set; c) calculating, by the computer processing device, a health index number of the individual as a function of the output including a value of the health indicating measurement and at least one age value associated with the individual, in accordance with the operating instruction set; d) utilizing, by the computer processing device, the individual's health index number to determine a trend of the individual's health and fitness at a current time compared to a previous time; e) utilizing, by the computer processing device, the trend of the individual's health and fitness to determine and present guidance, by at least one display device coupled to the computer processing device, to the individual, wherein the guidance is configured to improve the management of the individual's health and fitness; and f) presenting, by the at least one display device, at least one of the individual's health index number and the trend of the individual's health and fitness to the individual, wherein the health indicating measurement includes a user's blood sugar level.
 2. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 1, the method further comprising steps of: obtaining an individual's current age; obtaining an individual's ideal age; obtaining an individual's starting health indicating measurement; obtaining an individual's current health indicating measurement in accordance with step a; obtaining an individual's ideal health indicating measurement; and utilizing, by the computer processing device, the following equation for calculating the individual's health index number: ${{health}\mspace{14mu}{index}\mspace{14mu}{number}} = {{{age}(C)} - {\frac{\left\lbrack {{{HIM}(S)} - {{HIM}(C)}} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{{HIM}(S)} - {{HIM}(I)}} \right\rbrack}*\left\lbrack {\left( {{{age}(C)} - {{age}(I)}} \right)*{factor}} \right\rbrack}}$ wherein: age(C) is the individual's current age, age(I) is the individual's ideal age, health indicating measurement (HIM(S)) is the individual's starting health indicating measurement, health indicating measurement (HIM(C)) is the individual's current health indicating measurement, health indicating measurement (HIM(I)) is the individual's ideal health indicating measurement, and factor is a numerical multiplier.
 3. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 1, the method further comprising steps of: acquiring background data of the individual, wherein the background data includes at least one of: a current age of the individual, an ideal age of the individual, a starting or initial health indicating measurement of the individual, and an ideal health indicating measurement of the individual; entering the acquiring background data of the individual into a device in signal communication with the computer processing device; and including the acquired background data of the individual when calculating the individual's health index number.
 4. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 1, the method further comprising steps of: acquiring health and fitness data associated with the individual, wherein the health and fitness data includes at least one of: exercise habits of the individual, a diet of the individual, sleep habits of the individual, daily routines of the individual, medical history of the individual, lab results of the individual, social media content respective to the individual, and genome of the individual; and entering the acquiring health and fitness data associated with the individual into a device in signal communication with the computer processing device; and including the acquired health and fitness data associated with the individual when calculating the individual's health index number.
 5. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 1, the method further comprising a step of: employing a feedback loop to improve the results of the step of calculating the individual's health index number over time, wherein the feedback loop compares data acquired prior to disclosing health and fitness system recommended actions with data acquired following the disclosure of the health and fitness system recommended actions.
 6. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 1, the method further comprising steps of: repeating steps a, b, c, and d over a period of time including the current time and the previous time to acquire multiple health index numbers, utilizing the acquired multiple health index numbers to establish a series of Bollinger Bands; and presenting the multiple health index numbers within the series of Bollinger Bands.
 7. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 1, the method further comprising steps of: repeating steps a, b, c, and d over a period of time including the current time and the previous time to acquire multiple health index numbers, utilizing the acquired multiple health index numbers to establish a series of Bollinger Bands; and presenting the multiple health index numbers within the series of Bollinger Bands, wherein the series of Bollinger Bands are oriented respective to an axis representative of time, the orientation being indicative of one of: a trending improvement, sustaining with limited change, or a trending degradation.
 8. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 1, the method further comprising a step of: repeating steps a, b, c, and d over a period of time including the current time and the previous time to acquire multiple health index numbers, wherein the step of calculating the individual's health index number further comprises a consideration of the period of time considered to be an anomaly.
 9. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 1, the method further comprising steps of: repeating steps a, b, c, and d over a period of time including the current time and the previous time to acquire multiple health index numbers, wherein an initial cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates an initial individual's health index number at the previous time, wherein each intermediate cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates a respective intermediate individual's health index number at each respective intermediate current time, wherein a current cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates a current individual's health index number at the current time, storing the initial individual's health index number and the associated previous time; storing each intermediate individual's health index number and each associated intermediate current time; determining a period of time between the current time and the most recent intermediate current time; comparing the determined period of time between the current time and the most recent intermediate current time with a pre-established period of time; and in a condition where the determined period of time between the current time and the most recent intermediate current time is greater than the pre-established period of time, returning the health index number to a baseline number.
 10. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 1, the method further comprising steps of: repeating steps a, b, c, and d over a period of time including the current time and the previous time to acquire multiple health index numbers, wherein an initial cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates an initial individual's health index number at the previous time, wherein each intermediate cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates a respective intermediate individual's health index number at each respective intermediate current time, wherein a current cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates a current individual's health index number at the current time; storing the initial individual's health index number and the associated previous time; storing each intermediate individual's health index number and each associated intermediate current time; determining a period of time between the current time and the most recent intermediate current time; determining a trend of the individual's health and fitness by comparing the initial individual's health index number, each intermediate individual's health index number, and the current individual's health index number with one another; and utilizing a trend of the individual's health and fitness to provide curated content to the individual.
 11. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual, the method comprising steps of: a) acquiring a health indicating measurement of the individual using a health indicating measurement acquisition device, wherein the health indicating measurement acquisition device is configured to not directly or indirectly convey the health indicating measurement to the individual; b) providing an output including the health indicating measurement from the health indicating measurement acquisition device to a computer processing device, wherein the computer processing device operates in accordance with an algorithm included within an operating instruction set, the computer processing device being integrated into one of: (i) a computing device, (ii) a portable computing device, (iii) a weight management scale, (iv) a blood pressure acquisition system, or (v) a glucose (blood sugar level) monitoring system; c) calculating, by the computer processing device, a health index number of the individual as a function of the output including a value of the health indicating measurement and at least one age value associated with the individual, in accordance with the operating instruction set; d) utilizing, by the computer processing device, the individual's health index number to determine a trend of the individual's health and fitness at a current time compared to a previous time; e) utilizing, by the computer processing device, the trend of the individual's health and fitness to determine and present guidance, by at least one display device coupled to the computer processing device, to the individual, wherein the guidance is configured to improve the management of the individual's health and fitness; and f) presenting, by the at least one display device, at least one of the individual's health index number and the trend of the individual's health and fitness to the individual, wherein the health indicating measurement includes at least one of a user's pulse rate, a user's heart rate, a user's systolic blood pressure measurement, a user's diastolic blood pressure measurement, a user's weight, and a blood sugar level.
 12. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 11, wherein the computer processing device is integrated into the portable computing device, and wherein the instruction set is included in a health and fitness management application residing on the portable computing device.
 13. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 11, the method comprising steps of: communicating information from the health indicating measurement acquisition device to the portable computing device; and acquiring additional data using features integrated into the portable computing device, wherein the step of calculating the individual's health index number includes considerations to the acquired additional data.
 14. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 11, the method further comprising a step of: repeating steps a, b, c, and d over a period of time including the current time and the previous time to acquire multiple health index numbers, utilizing the acquired multiple health index numbers to establish a series of Bollinger Bands; and presenting the multiple health index numbers within the series of Bollinger Bands.
 15. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 11, the method further comprising a step of: repeating steps a, b, c, and d over a period of time including the current time and the previous time to acquire multiple health index numbers, utilizing the acquired multiple health index numbers to establish a series of Bollinger Bands; and presenting the multiple health index numbers within the series of Bollinger Bands, wherein the Bollinger Bands are oriented respective to an axis representative of time, the orientation being indicative of one of: a trending improvement, sustaining with limited change, or a trending degradation.
 16. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 11, the method further comprising a step of: repeating steps a, b, c, and d, wherein an initial cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates an initial individual's health index number at the previous time, wherein each intermediate cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates a respective intermediate individual's health index number at each respective intermediate current time, wherein a current cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates a current individual's health index number at the current time; storing the initial individual's health index number and the associated previous time; storing each intermediate individual's health index number and each associated intermediate current time; determining a period of time between the current time and the most recent intermediate current time; determining a trend of the individual's health and fitness by comparing the initial individual's health index number, each intermediate individual's health index number, and the current individual's health index number with one another; and utilizing the trend of the individual's health and fitness to provide curated content to the individual.
 17. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 11, the method further comprising a step of: employing a feedback loop to improve the results of the step of calculating the individual's health index number over time, wherein the feedback loop compares data acquired prior to disclosing health and fitness management system recommended actions with data acquired following the disclosure of the health and fitness management system recommended actions.
 18. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 11, wherein the step of calculating the individual's health index number further comprise a consideration of a period of time considered to be an anomaly.
 19. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 11, the method further comprising steps of: repeating steps a, b, c, and d, wherein an initial cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates an initial individual's health index number at the previous time, wherein each intermediate cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates a respective intermediate individual's health index number at each respective intermediate current time, wherein a current cycle of steps a, b, c, and d generates a current individual's health index number at the current time, storing the initial individual's health index number and the associated previous time; storing each intermediate individual's health index number and each associated intermediate current time; determining a period of time between the current time and the most recent intermediate current time; comparing the determined period of time between the current time and the most recent intermediate current time with a pre-established period of time; and in a condition where the determined period of time between the current time and the most recent intermediate current time is greater than the pre-established period of time, returning the health index number to a baseline number.
 20. A method of managing health and fitness of an individual as recited in claim 11, the method further comprising a step of: acquiring additional data for calculating the health index number from at least one of: an activity tracking device, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a third party application, a scheduler, a questionnaire, and a series of rules. 